Dead Horse Point State Park, located in Utah’s breathtaking canyon country, offers travelers a never-seen-before awe-inspiring experience. The Park, 5900 ft. from sea level, provides one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the American Southwest. The Park is spread over 5300 acres of land. On a clear day, we can enjoy miles-long stretches encompassing the dramatic canyons, towering cliffs, and rock formation structures for which the region is known.
There is a well-maintained hiking trail that will lead trackers (even beginners with no experience at all) to the highest access point. Those seeking a more leisurely experience or who love mountains can drive through the road with overlooks and picnic areas. Guided tours are available for people who want to engage in hiking and camping adventures, immersing themselves in the rugged beauty of the canyon country.

Area & Location:

It covers an area of 5,362 acres of desert land at an altitude of 5,900 feet. Dead Horse Point State Park is in the United States at Utha in San Juan. It’s a place where one side is the scenic Canyonlands National Park; on the other hand, we have the beautiful Colorado River.

 

What History Speaks?

The Dead Horse State Park was established for the public in 1959. It is said that, around the 19th century ago, the point was used as a corral for wild mustangs roaming the top. Cowboys rounded up these horses and herded them across the narrow neck of land and onto the point. Only 30 yards wide, the neck was fenced off with branches and brush.

 

How did it get its name?

 

Once, it so happened that the horses were kept together in a corral without water. These horses were at the point about 2,000 feet, below which was running the Colorado River. The horses are said to have died due to thirst at this point. 
Since then, this place has been named “Dead Horse Point State Park.”

How much is the route?

The point begins at US 191 and ends at US 313. This route is approximately 21 km. If you love beauty, adventure, and trekking, you can walk around, take photographs, and spend around one to two hours walking while you reach your final destination to watch. 

Timings and Entry Fees for Dead Horse Point

The time for visiting Dead Horse Park is from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. You would need to pay Dollar 10 per vehicle going inside as an entry fee to see the Park. 

How long will it take to complete the Dead Horse Point?

How much time you should spend here depends on you.

• A minimum of 2 hours is required to see this beauty correctly. You can enjoy the Overlook view and move ahead or hike towards Meander Overlook.

 

• If you have over half a day on your hands, you can cover the Park in 2 parts. First, visit the Park at the Visitor Center and hike the East Rim and West Rim trail loop.

How to Reach the Dead Horse Point?

You can choose any of following routes to reach at the point:

By Car:

If you want to visit Dead horse Point state park via car. You can take a 22-mile Scenic Byway UT 313 from US 191. This route will make you reach the dead horse state park Overlook parking area. Further, a short path will guide you to the beautiful, iconic, photogenic spot. It is a breathtaking view of the Colorado River.

By Hiking:

Hiking is another route to reach Dead Horse Point. There are different well-maintained hiking trails available whether you are a beginner or to experienced hiker. During the hike, you can also view stunning landscapes and find spots to take amazing Instagram photos.

What to See at Dead Horse Point?

Dead horse state park is a scenic attraction among tourists due to its spectacular secluded hiking trails and views. The Park is full of photogenic spots of majestic views and stunning rocks. You can view the following from the top:

1. Colorado River

Dead Horse Point State Park, you can see amazing canyons and the Colorado River views. When you see it from the top, it looks like stunning scenery. From the overlooks, you’ll see the deep canyons carved by the river and the winding Colorado River far below.

2. Scenic Beauty

dead horse point overlook has such a beautiful scenic view that many films have been shot here. This location offers a great view, taken from top or bottom.

  

3. Nature and Wild Life

Since there is a national park beside Dead Horse Point State Park, it is native to several animals and birds. Also, it is surrounded by a lot of greenery.

Top Things to do at Dead Horse Point State Park

Here are the things you can enjoy at dead horse state park:

1. Drive the Dead Horse Point:

driving to the state park is filled with scenic views and photo points. While driving, the View of the Colorado River can be an unforgettable experience for those who love long drives. The closest spot to the state park is from Moab. If you start your ride from there, it will take around 1 hour to reach the Dead Horse Point parking area.

2. Get an Incredible View of Sunrise and Sunset:

If you are a morning person, reach there early to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises of a lifetime. You will see a stunning natural canvas when golden-orange light falls on the red rock canyons.
Also, after exploring the whole vistas and trails of Dead Horse Point, take a moment to relax and enjoy the sunset from the top.

3. Bike the Intrepid Trail System:

Are you looking for Mountain biking spot options? Dead horse state park is an absolute paradise to enjoy off-road adventures. Bikes are prohibited on the Park’s hiking trails to preserve the natural terrain. You can explore several scenic biking routes wind through the stunning landscape, providing unparalleled access to some of the most breathtaking vistas in Utah’s canyon country.
One of the most popular routes is the Intrepid Trail System, a network of interconnected loops that range from easy to challenging, catering to riders of all skill levels. As you pedal along these trails, numerous jaw-dropping views of the rugged canyons, towering cliffs, and the meandering Colorado River await you.

4. Hike the West Rim Trail:

Hiking at the Dead Horse Point is always a good idea if you are up for the adventures. This trail is like the Park’s crown jewel, snaking along the mesa’s edge and giving you the best views of the canyons and the Colorado River down below. It’s a 5.4-mile round-trip hike, but don’t let that scare you off – it’s a moderate trek, perfect for anyone looking to soak in the raw, rugged beauty of this canyon country.

5. Explore the East Rim Trail:

The hike is one of the shortest yet scenic hikes in Canyonlands National Park. The hike is around a 3.2-mile round trip, offering incredible views of nearby the Potash Road Canyon and the La Sal Mountains. The hike can be completed by beginners seeking an easy hike but rewarding experience.

6. Take Pictures With Scenic Spots:

The place is full of spots that will offer you so many stunning photography opportunities. Dead Horse Point State Park is a totally worth for a photographer, from its dramatic landscapes to towering cliffs and unique rock formations to capture. Bring your camera and capture breathtaking photos for your Instagram handle that can speak volumes about your travel to Dead Horse Point without even needing a caption.

Where to stay at Dead Horse Point State Park

You can thoroughly explore dead horse state park in one day, but plenty of options are available if you choose to stay. While there are very less options of hotels near colorado horse park, you can look for the some other good options exist in nearby towns and cities in Utah. The city of Moab, about 32 miles away, offers various accommodation choices, from budget motels to luxury resorts. You can also check out some of the best hotels in Springdale, Utah, for a fantastic travel experience.